A hand-held applicator to clean teats of a milk-producing animal

ABSTRACT

The embodiments are directed to a hand-held applicator ( 126 ) for cleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal. The hand-held applicator comprises: a first housing having housing section ( 209 ) including a first end through which a disinfectant delivery line ( 140 ) extends or an electrical line ( 198 ) extends; and second housing ( 205 ) coupled to the housing section and having a sealed gear chamber ( 216 ) for supporting gears ( 186 A,  186 B and  186 C) and bearings. The second housing comprises a first portion ( 213 ) and a second portion ( 215 ) configured to be removably affixed in abutting contact to the first portion. The second housing has an external delivery port ( 579 ) centered between a pair of side-by-side gears. The applicator comprises a switch ( 232 ) positioned on the underside of the housing section. The second portion may include a motor mount ( 680 ) for coupling a motor ( 238 ) in the housing section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 611919,128, entitled “Handheld Applicator in aSystem for Cleaning Teats of a Milk-Producing Animal” filed Dec. 20,2013 which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in fullbelow.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments herein relate to systems and methods that are used forcleaning teats of milk-producing animals. More specifically, theembodiments pertains to a hand-held applicator used in those systemsthat utilize disinfectant applicators to a supply of disinfectantsolution for cleaning the teats of a milk-producing animal.

Systems are available that utilize rotating brushes in combination witha cleaning solution to clean teats. One such system is disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,402,920 and 8,555,811 and assigned to the assignee of theinstant application. Such systems may include hand-held applicatorshaving three rotating brushes, two of which rotate to scrub/clean a baseof the teat, and a third brush which is arranged to scrub/clean a tip ofthe teat. The applicators are in communication with a disinfectantsource, which is supplied to the applicators as the brushes are rotatingand scrubbing the teats. The applicators may be remotely operatedrelative to the solution source.

These teat cleaning systems also include a motor that is typicallysuspended from an elevated position and a flexible drive shaft extendsfrom the motor to the hand-held applicators. The flexible drive shaft isoperatively connected to gears, which in turn are operatively connectedto the brushes to rotate the brushes during teat cleaning operations.

A pair of the brushes which clean the teats are aligned to provide apath to direct the teat between the bristles of the brushes. The liquidproperties of the cleaning solution may allow such debris and solutionto seep into the gear housing causing a buildup of debris. The brushesrotate by a mated connection between the base of the brush and a gear.As the debris builds around the gear and base of the brushes, wearbegins to effect the performance of the rotation of the brushes. In someinstances, the brushes may begin to wobble. The wobble may progress suchthat the comfort to the teats of the milking producing animal maydiminish, thus effecting the teat stimulation, overall teat health andmilk production. In addition, the flexible drive shaft has been viewedas ergonomically restrictive because it is relatively heavy and whenused during cleaning over an extended period of time tires an operator.

Milk production may be optimized with proper teat stimulation andcleaning. Improper cleaning can cause the milk to be contaminatedrequiring additional processing or in some instances discard of themilk. Milk-producing animals, such as cows, may be milked several timesa day to increase production. Thus, care is taken to prevent teat injuryor infection. Teat stimulation of a milk-producing animal is a precursorfor oxytocin release and letdown. Hence, preventing teat injury anddiscomfort during the washing and drying cycle may be important to theoverall stimulation of the teat for milk production quantities.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a hand-held applicator for cleaning a teatof a milk-producing animal. The hand-held applicator comprises: a firsthousing having a housing section including a first end through which atleast one disinfectant delivery line extends or at least one electricalline extends, a second end distal to the first end, a top side and anunderside; and a second housing having an internal sealed gear chamber.The second housing is removably coupled to the second end of the housingsection and in which the internal sealed gear chamber being configuredto support therein a plurality of gears and bearings. The second housingcomprises: a first portion having a plurality of gear holes and a firstperimeter ledge around a periphery, and a second portion having a secondperimeter ledge around a periphery and a motor mount and configured tobe removably affixed in abutting contact to the first portion along therespective periphery of the first and second portions surrounding theinternal sealed gear chamber. The first and second perimeter ledges havean external delivery port configured to be coupled to the at east onedisinfectant delivery line and located above and centered between a pairof side-by-side gears of the plurality of gears. The housing sectioncomprises: a forward section dimensioned to receive therein a portion ofthe second housing, the forward section gradually narrowing rearwardly,and a handle section juxtaposed to the forward section and taperingrearward from the forward section in a downward direction such that anangle is formed along a transition from the forward section to thehandle section at the underside. The applicator comprises a switchpositioned on the underside of the housing section at or in proximity tothe transition from the forward section to the handle section; and amotor coupled to the motor mount, the motor residing within the forwardsection and configured to be in direct drive communication with theplurality of gears.

Another aspect of the embodiments include a hand-held applicator forcleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal, the hand-held applicatorcomprises: a first housing having a housing section including a firstend through which at least one disinfectant delivery line extends or atleast one electrical line extends, a second end distal to the first end,a top side and an underside; and a second housing having an internalsealed gear chamber, a motor mount and an external delivery portconfigured to be coupled to the at least one disinfectant delivery line.The second housing is removably coupled to the second end of the housingsection and in which the internal sealed gear chamber being configuredto support therein a plurality of gears and bearings with the externaldelivery port located above and centered between a pair of side-by-sidegears of the plurality of gears. The housing section comprises: aforward section dimensioned to receive therein a portion of the secondhousing, the forward section gradually narrowing rearwardly; and ahandle section juxtaposed to the forward section and tapering rearwardfrom the forward section in a downward direction such that an angle isformed along a transition from the forward section to the handle sectionat the underside. The applicator comprises a switch positioned on theunderside of the housing section at or in proximity to the transitionfrom the forward section to the handle section; and a motor coupled tothe motor mount, the motor residing within the forward section andconfigured to be in direct drive communication with the plurality ofgears.

A further aspect of the embodiments include a hand-held applicator forcleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal, the hand-held applicatorcomprising: a first housing having a housing section including a firstend through which at least one disinfectant delivery line extends or atleast one electrical line extends, a second end distal to the first end,a top side and an underside; and a second housing having an internalsealed gear chamber. The second housing is removably coupled to thesecond end of the housing section and in which the internal sealed gearchamber being configured to support therein a plurality of gears andbearings. The second housing comprises: a first portion having aplurality of gear holes and a first perimeter ledge around a peripheryand a second portion having a second perimeter ledge around a peripheryand configured to be removably affixed in abutting contact to the firstportion along the respective periphery of the first and second portionssurrounding the internal sealed gear chamber. The first and secondperimeter ledges having an external delivery port configured to becoupled to the at least one disinfectant delivery line and located aboveand centered between a pair of side-by-side gears of the plurality ofgears. The applicator comprises a switch positioned on the underside ofthe housing section at or in proximity to the transition from theforward section to the handle section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for cleaning teats;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the hand-held applicator;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view of the hand-held applicator of FIG.2;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the hand-held applicator of analternate embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial exploded view of the sealed gear housing,gears and motor;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate first and second side perspective views of afirst gear housing portion;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate first and second side perspective views ofthe second gear housing portion;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective end view of the sealed gear housinginserted in the housing section of the hand-held applicator;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective end view of the sealed gear housinginserted in the housing section of the hand-held applicator with thefirst gear housing portion removed;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective end view of the brushes and gears withthe sealed gear housing removed;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front end and rear end perspective views ofthe brush cover of the hand-held applicator;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of the integrated cable;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of a plurality of gears and brushes;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate side perspective views of a gear threadedout from and onto a brush shank;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the gear assembly of FIG. 13Bwith the brush rotatably mounted to the gear; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of the hand-held applicator withportions of the brush cover, housing section and sealed gear housing cutaway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments involve components and processes similar to the SystemAnd Method for Cleaning Teats of A Milk-Producing Animal, disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,402,920, filed on Sep. 16, 2010, and assigned to theassignee of the instant application, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if set forth in full below.

A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments and should not therefore to beconsidered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will bedescribed and explained.

With respect to FIG. 1, a schematic illustration of a system 100 forcleaning teats of a milk-producing animal is shown. As shown, the system100 may be configured to deliver a disinfectant via a remote station112′ to one or more hand-held applicators 126 positioned in a milkingparlor and to clean the teats of a milk producing animal. The remotestation 112′ may comprise one or more of a disinfectant source 123, adisinfectant delivery (DD) system 101, a controller 230 and compressor143 in communication with a hand-held applicator 126 by a flexible cable198. The remote station 112′ is in fluid flow communication with one ormore hand-held applicators 126, each of which may be connected to arespective flexible cable 198. The DD system 101 may include one or moresolenoid valves 139 and at least one pump 142, for delivery of thesolution to the hand-held applicator via delivery line 140 as will bedescribed, in more detail later. In an embodiment, the pump may includea fluid driven pump or electrical pump. As further shown in FIG. 1, DD101 may be connected to water source 136 to dilute a concentrated formof a disinfectant solution, in which case the DD 101 may require one ormore valves 139, such as solenoid valves, to control the flow of waterto the hand-held applicator 126. It is contemplated that the system 100may be used with a “ready-to-use” solution, which may not require accessto a water source for dilution purposes.

The disinfectant source 123 may comprise a container with a disinfectant123 a. By way of a non-limiting example, the disinfectant 123 a may beaqueous disinfectant solution. The aqueous disinfectant solution maycomprise aqueous chlorine dioxide. In an embodiment, the aqueousdisinfectant solution may have a vapor pressure or viscositysubstantially equal to that of water. However, the embodiments are notso limited. The embodiments disclosed herein may include otherdisinfectants including, but not limited to, other chlorine containingor chlorine based solutions, or any other disinfectant that is effectivein sanitizing teats of milk-producing animals. The “Summary ofPeer-Reviewed Publications on Efficacy of Prernilking and PostmilkingTeat Disinfectants Published Since 1980” is published annually by theNational Mastitis Council (NMC) and provides a variety of teatdisinfectants and the efficacy.

Referring also to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the hand-held applicator126 is illustrated. The hand-held applicator 126 may comprise anapplicator housing 127 with a handle 180. The housing 127 may comprise abrush cover 184. The applicator 126 may comprise an internal directdrive motor 238 (FIG. 1) coupled to a separate sealed gear housing 205,both of which are housed in the housing 127. The sealed gear housing 205will be described in more detail below. The motor 238 (FIG. 1) mayinclude drive shaft 190 (FIG. 1) adapted to rotate a plurality ofbrushes 186 in the brush cover 184 via gears 188 (FIG. 1) uponactivation of switch 232. The applicator 126 may include a light source160 which may be activated upon actuation of the switch 232.

The cable 198 may comprise a flexible and insulated integrated cable.The integrated cable 198 may include at least one disinfectant delivery(DD) line 140, at least one air line 141 and at least one electricalline 196. One end of the flexible cable 198 is coupled to the handle 180of the applicator 126. The DD and air lines 140, 141 may be composed ofneoprene or santoprene, having an inside diameter of about 0.17 inches.In an embodiment, the at least one DD line 140 and at least one air line141 may be bundled together into a single tubing, as will be discussedin further detail later. The cable 198 may alternately omit one or morelines including the at least one air line 141.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic of the integrated cable 198. Theintegrated cable 198 may include a center opening 231 which may receivethe DD line 140 and air line 141. The cable 198 may include a pluralityof openings 233 to receive the at least one electrical line 196. Theplurality of openings 233 are spaced around the center opening 231. Theplurality of openings 233 are arranged between the center opening 231and an outer insulated casing 237 of the integrated cable 198. Thecentral opening 231 may correspond to a single tubing for the at leastone DD line 140 and the at least one air line 141. Alternately, thecable 198 may omit the at least one air line 141.

Referring still to FIG. 11, the at least one electrical line 196 mayinclude first and second electrical lines 243, 245 configured as acurrent line and a ground line for the switch 232 of the applicator 126.The at least one electrical line 196 may include third and fourthelectrical lines 247, 249 configured as a current line and a ground linefor the motor 238 of the applicator 126. The at least one electricalline 196 may include an input signal line 251 to receive a signal fromthe switch 232. The at least one electrical line 196 may include a lightsignal line 253 to provide current to a light source 160 on theapplicator 126 which may be activated upon pressing the switch 232.

In an embodiment, the integrated cable 198 may include 2-16 AWG(American wire gauge) and 5-18 AWG electrical conductors surrounding thecenter opening 231. The center opening 231 may have an inner diameter ofapproximately ¼″, and the outer diameter of the cable 198 may beapproximately 0.65″. However, these specific dimensions and conductorwiring arrangements are merely one example of how the integrated cable198 may be assembled and the integrated cable 198 is not limited tothese specific dimensions and conductor arrangements, provided that theintegrated cable 198 is capable of communicating air, disinfectant andelectrical signals to the applicator 126.

Returning again to FIG. 1, the system 100 may be configured to have awashing cycle and a drying cycle. The washing cycle and drying cycleremoves debris and other contaminants and may cause teat stimulationrequired for milk letdown by the milk-producing animal. During thewashing cycle, the disinfectant 123 a may be delivered on DD line 140into the brush cover 184 in the direction of the brushes 186 and towardthe teat. Also during the washing cycle, the brushes 186 may rotate.

During the drying cycle, the delivery of the disinfectant 123 a may bediscontinued by the DD system 101. However, during the drying cycle, thebrushes 186 may continue to rotate; an air stream on the air line 141may be delivered into the brush cover 184 in the direction of the teatand brushes 186; or a combination of rotating brushes 186 and deliveryof the air stream in air line 141 may be performed.

The washing cycle will now be described in more detail. During thewashing cycle, the controller 230 may control the DD system. 101 todeliver a supply of disinfectant 123 a to the hand-held applicator 126.Alternately, the DD system 101 may be initiated, by the operation of theswitch 232 via line 196 shown in dashed lines. The dashed linesrepresent an optional function.

The DD system 101 may activate the one or more of solenoid valves 139and/or the at least one pump 142 for delivery of an amount of thedisinfectant 123 a to the applicator 126 on DD line 140. In addition,the controller 230 may be programmed to control the operation of the DDsystem 101 upon activation of switch 232 to activate the solenoid valve139 and/or pump 142.

When the disinfectant (concentrated) is being delivery or siphoned fromthe disinfectant source 123, the disinfectant may be mixed with a fluidor water from water source 136 to dilute the disinfectant to thepredetermined solution ratio. The solenoid valve may perform one or moreof turn on, shut off, dosing, distribution or mixing. Alternately, theDD system 101 may mix or hydrate a non-aqueous disinfectant with fluidor water from water source 136.

During the washing cycle, the rotation of the brushes 186 may be startedcoincident with delivery of the disinfectant 123 a to the applicator 126for delivery into the brush cover 184, such as, without limitation, uponactivation of switch 232. Furthermore, during the drying cycle, thecontroller 230 may be programmed to initiate transmission of compressedair to the applicator 126. The compressed air may be controlled todirect air toward the teat and may assist in drying the cleaned teat.The compressed air may also be injected toward the teat to assist inloosening dirt, drying the disinfectant of the aqueous type orlifting/removal of the non-aqueous disinfectant from the teat skin. Theseparation of dirt, lifting and/or drying of the disinfectant may alsobe a function of gravity acting on the dirt and/or disinfectant.

The air may also lift away adhering dirt on the bristles of the brushedbetween teat cleaning. The lifted dirt from the brushes may also exitthe applicator housing 127 by the force of gravity. The air may alsoserve to dry the interior surfaces of brush cover 184. For example,while walking between animals or at the end of the day, a drying cyclemay be used to apply air within the brush cover 184.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pump 142 may be configured to pump thedisinfectant 123 a from the disinfectant source 123 in at least onedisinfectant delivery (DD) line 140. As further shown in FIG. 1, thecompressor 143 is configured to deliver compressed air via air line 141in response to controller 230. In an embodiment, the DD line 140 and theair line 141 may be coupled to a coupler 259, such as a Y-coupler, sothat the disinfectant or the air stream flows through the coupler 259,alternately but not simultaneously. Furthermore, while the switch 232remains depressed or in a first switch state, the DD system 101 mayremain active and the communication of the disinfectant 123 a in the DDline 140 may continue for a predetermined time under the control ofcontroller 230 or until the switch 232 changes states. The first switchstate may correspond to an ON position of the switch 232 and a secondswitch state may correspond to an OFF position. By way of non-limitingexample, the switch when pressed is in the ON position or in the firstswitch state. Upon release of the switch 232, the switch 232 may be inthe OFF position or in a second switch state. Additionally, during thedrying cycle, the controller 230 may be coupled to the compressor 143 toinitiate a transmission of compressed air from the compressor 143 alongthe air line 141. The compressor may be activated during a drying cycleunder the control of the controller 230, to deliver air to theapplicator 126.

In an embodiment, the controller 230 may be programmed such that whenthe switch 232 is be depressed or actuated, the input signal line 251may transmit a signal from the switch 232 to the controller 230. Inresponse, the disinfectant 123 a may then be delivered from thedisinfectant source 123 by the DD system 101 to a volume within theapplicator 126. The volume may include the brush cover 184.Additionally, in response to the switch 232 being depressed or actuated,the compressed air may be delivered from the compressor 143 to thevolume within applicator 126 occupied by the brushes 186. Additionally,the electrical signals may be delivered along the electrical lines 196to the direct drive motor 238, switch 232 and light source 160 in theapplicator 126. As long as the switch 232 is actuated, the disinfectantmay be delivered to the applicator 126 and the brushes 186, which may berotating. The controller 230 may be programmed so that when the switch232 may be released, the DD system 101 may be deactivated.

Although the above embodiment discusses that the controller 230 controlstransmission of one or more of the disinfectant 123 a, the compressedair and the electrical signals while the switch 232 may be pressed, theembodiment is not limited to this configuration and an alternate switchembodiment may be provided in which the controller 230 controlstransmission of the disinfectant 123 a, when the switch 232 is pressedand released, for a predetermined time, after Which the DD system 101 isdeactivated, for example.

The controller 230 may be programmed with a delay so that brushes 186continue to rotate for a predetermined time duration after the deliveryof the disinfectant 123 a has been discontinued. In an embodiment, thetime delay may be about 4 to about 7 seconds so that the rotatingbrushes 186 may be used to partially dry teats after the application ofthe disinfectant 123 a. In an embodiment, the controller 230 may beprogrammed such that during the delay, the brushes 186 continue torotate and the compressor 143 delivers compressed air through the airline 141 to the applicator 126 so that the compressed air and therotating brushes 186 may be used to dry the teats after the applicationof the disinfectant 123 a. Although the above embodiment discusses theswitch 232 with a trigger design, in which the switch 232 is actuatedbased on being pressed, the switch is not limited to this design and mayinclude a non-contact proximity switch positioned within the housing127, which is sealed inside the housing 211, thus preventing waterintrusion,

One or more hand-held applicators 126 are positioned within the milkingparlor to clean and disinfect teats of a plurality of milk-producinganimals such as cows that have been herded into the parlor for milking.The hand-held applicator 126 will now be described in more detail below.

Referring also to FIG. 3A, an exploded view of the hand-held applicator126 of FIG. 2 is illustrated. As best seen in FIG. 3A, the applicatorhousing 127 (FIG. 2) may include the brush cover 184 for the brushes186A, 18613, 186C (as best seen in FIGS. 7, 9 and 13A-13B) and a housingsection 209 for the internal direct drive motor 238. The separate sealedgear housing 205 is configured to house the gears 188A, 188B, 188C, and188D (as best seen in FIG. 8). The brush cover 184, housing section 209and sealed gear housing 205 may be connected together to form theapplicator housing 127 with the sealed gear housing 205 being configuredwith an internal sealed gear chamber 216 (FIG. 15). The housing section209 may include a top side TS and an underside US. The brush cover maybe coupled together by a strap, tie or tethering member 128 (FIG. 2). Byway of non-limiting example, the tethering member 128 may include aresilient rubber band with elasticity to keep the housing sectionstogether such as by urging the brush cover 184 and the housing section209 toward each other under an elastic force or compression forcecreated by the elastic properties of the tethering member 128. Removingthe resilient rubber band may provide a quick disconnect for cleaningand removing of the brushes and housing sections. A rubber band typetethering member is but one example. Alternately, a strap may be usedwith eyelets on distal ends that could be slipped over at least onepillars 175 wherein the strap would strap together the brush cover 184and the housing section 209 so that the faces of the brush cover 184 andthe housing section 209 are juxtaposed and/or may be insurface-to-surface contact.

The at least one pillars 175 may be position in proximity to the facesof the brush cover 184 and the housing section 209.

By way of non-limiting example, in a further embodiment, the coupling ofthe brush cover 184 and the housing section 209 may include otherfastening means.

The housing section 209 may include a forward section 221 dimensioned toreceive therein the sealed gear housing 205 and the motor 238. A rearend of the forward section 221 of the housing section 209 is integratedwith a handle section 222 of the housing section 209. The handle section222 may taper rearward in a downward direction. As the housing section209 tapers, the circumference of the housing section 209 may graduallynarrow. The gradually tapering and narrowing circumference section(hereinafter referred to as the “handle section 222”) may serve as thehandle 180 such that a user may grasp the handle 180 during operation.The handle section 222 may terminate at cable connector 199.

For simplicity of illustration, the at least one DD line 140, the atleast one air line 141 and the at least one electrical line 196 havebeen omitted from FIG. 3A.

The housing section 209 may include a bend or curvature along theunderside US created at a transition TA from the forward section 221 tothe handle section 222. In an embodiment, at the transition TA an anglemay be created between the forward section 221 and the handle section222 along the underside US. As illustrated, the angle between theforward section 221 and the handle section 222 may form an obtuse angle.As can be appreciated, other angles may be used such as, withoutlimitation, a right angle. The switch 232 is positioned along theunderside US of the housing section 209 at or in proximity to thetransition TA from the forward section 221 to the handle section 222.

As best seen in FIG. 3A, the housing section 209 comprises first andsecond housing parts 211A and 211B. The first and second housing parts211A and 211B are configured to be fastened together via a plurality offasteners 217. The first and second housing parts 211A and 211B aremated together to form a unitary housing structure.

The first and second housing parts 211A and 211B may include fastenerholes 219 (FIG. 2) for receipt of fasteners 217. The fasteners may becoupled to fastening members 218. In an embodiment, the fasteningmembers 218 may include threaded channels and the fasteners 217 mayinclude screws. As the screws are threaded into the fastening members218, the fasteners 217 may secure the first and second housing parts211A and 211B together. As can be appreciated, unscrewing the fastenersmay allow the first and second housing parts 211A and 211B to beseparated so that internal components in the applicator 126 may beaccessed. Hence, the internal components housed within the housingsection 209 may be removed, replaced, and/or cleaned, as necessary.

The cable connector 199 includes a collar which may be sectioned in halfbetween the first and second housing parts 211A and 211B. Additionally,the collar section 199 on first housing part 211A includes a ring. Thecollar sections 199 on the first and second housing parts 211A and 211Bmay be fastened tighter.

In other embodiment, the housing section 209 may be unitary but providean access port so that one or more of the internal components may beremoved, replaced and/or cleaned.

The housing section 209 may include a plurality of fastening members 240(FIG. 9) positioned on the first and second housing parts 211A and 211Babout the opening into the forward section 221 at locations that mayalign with corresponding holes 578 (FIG. 5A) in the sealed gear housing205, to be described below. The separate sealed gear housing 205 may befastened in the housing section 209 with threaded screws (not shown)that may be threaded within the fastening members 240. In an embodiment,some of the fastening members (not shown) may be integrally formed inthe first housing part 211A and others of the fastening members 240 maybe integrally formed in the second housing part 211B. For simplicity ofillustration, the fasteners for fastening members 240 are not shown. Thefasteners for fastening

Referring now to FIG. 3B, an exploded view of the hand-held applicator126 of an alternate embodiment is illustrated. FIG. 3B is similar toFIG. 3A. Hence, only the differences will be described. In theembodiment of FIG. 3B, the first and second housing parts 211A′ and211B′ include one or more ribs 257A and 257A, respectively. The ribs areconcaved and configured such that when the first and second housingparts 211A′ and 211B′ are mated together, the motor 238 is cradledwithin the one or more ribs 257A and 257B. In an embodiment, theconfiguration of the one or more ribs may clamp around the housing ofthe motor 238′. The clamping feature stabilizes the motor 238′.

The separate sealed gear housing 205 will now be described in furtherdetail in relation to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B. FIG. 4 illustrates isa partial exploded view of the sealed gear housing, gears and motor. Asillustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 15, the sealed gear housing 205 mayinclude a first gear housing portion 213 and a second gear housingportion 215 that are positioned in abutting engagement to be connectedtogether in a manner which forms an internal sealed gear chamber 216, asbest seen in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are first side and second side views of the first gearhousing portion 213. The first side view of the first gear housingportion 213 corresponds to an interior side of the sealed gear housing205. The second side view of the first gear housing portion 213corresponds to an exterior side of the sealed gear housing 205. Theinterior side may be disposed within the internal sealed gear chamber216.

The first gear housing portion 213 includes a base 510 having pluralityof recesses 588A, 588B, 588C and 588D formed therein. As can be seenfrom the second side view of FIG. 5B, the recesses 588A, 588B, 588C and588D protrude past the plane of base 510. The recesses 588A, 588B and588C having a depth profile to cradle therein bearings 223, 225 and 227,respectively. Each of recesses 588A, 588B and 588C may have an aperture595A, 59513 and 595C formed in surfaces 591A, 591B and 591C,respectively. The aperture 595A, 595B and 595C may be smaller indiameter than the entrance at the base 510 into the recesses. Recesses588A and 588B may be arranged side by side such that the centers of therecesses may be aligned in the same plane. Recess 588C may be arrangedbelow recesses 588A and 588B. The recess 588D may support therein thedrive shaft 190. The recess 588D may include surface 591D which may begenerally solid with no apertures. The recess 588D may be below therecesses 588A and 588B and above recess 588C. The recesses 558A, 558Band 558C may be generally circular,

Each bearing 223, 225 and 227 may include recessed channels 228. Therecessed channel 228 may receive a sealing member (not shown) so thebearing to gear coupling is sealed. By way of non-limiting example, thesealing member (not shown) may be an O-ring. Each of the bearings 223,225 and 227 may have a recessed channel on both sides of the bearing tosupport therein a sealing member in each recess.

With specific reference to FIG. 5A, the base 510 may include a side wallledge which may be continuous about the perimeter 572. The side wallledge may include side wall ledge segments 570, 570′, 570″ and 570′″which may include a flange 575 to mate with the second gear housingportion 215 in an abutting mated arrangement, as best seen in FIG. 15.The side wall ledge segments 570, 570′, 570″ and 570′″ may compriseholes 578 for the attachment of fasteners (not shown) to fasten thefirst and second gear housing portions 213 and 215 together. The holes578 being on the exterior side of the sealed gear chamber 216. The areawithin the flange 575 when the first and second gear housing portions213 and 215 are secured may serve as the sealed gear chamber 216. Theside wall ledge segment 570″ extends across the base end 560 and mayinclude hole 579. Hole 579 may be configured to receive DD line 140and/or air line 141. As can be appreciated, the at least one DD line 140may be attached to the sealed gear housing 205 at a location which maybe outside or external to the sealed gear chamber 216. The side wallledge segment 570′″ may extend across the truncated apex 563. In anembodiment, the at least one DD line 140 and the at least one air line141 may both be received in hole 579. Nonetheless, the air line 141 maybe passed through any of holes 578. The hole 579 may serve as a deliveryport for insertion of the disinfectant or air. The coupler 259 iscoupled to hole 579 and 679 wherein disinfectant or air is communicatedto the brush cover 184 through coupler 259.

The holes 579 and 679 are aligned to form a single external deliveryport. The term “external” in relation to the delivery port is defined asbeing outside of the sealed gear chamber 216. The single externaldelivery port may be substituted with two or more external deliveryports where at least one delivery port is for the disinfectant from theat least one DD line 140; and another delivery port is for air from theat least one air line 141. Alternately, the two or more delivery portsmay each output, alternately, disinfectant from the at least one DD line140 and air from the at least one air line 141. Still further, the twoor more external delivery ports may be coupled to a combination ofmultiple disinfectant lines and/or multiple air lines. The two or moreexternal delivery ports may be positioned in proximity to the alignedholes 579 and 679 in the area of apex 565.

With specific reference of FIG. 5B, in an embodiment, the exterior sidemay be configured to allow for disinfectant run-off within the brushcover 184. Some disinfectant entering the brush cover 184 through hole579 may adhere to base 510 and surfaces 591A, 591B and 591C.Additionally, some of the disinfectant entering the brush cover 184 maybe flung by the rotating brushes toward the surfaces within the brushcover 184. Thus, any adhering disinfectant may flow downward undergravity around the protruding recesses 588A, 5888, 588C and 588D.

Returning again to FIG. 5A, the first gear housing portion 213 has agenerally quasi-triangular shape profile. The quasi-triangular shapeprofile may include a base end 560 and a truncated apex 563 wherein thebase end 560 may include rounded corners 561 and 562. The base end 560may be oriented at the top side TS. The side wall ledge segments 570 and570′ may be angled from the base end 560 to the truncated apex 563. Thetruncated apex 563 may be oriented at the underside US. The corners 567and 568 of the apex 563 may be rounded.

The chamber 216 may comprise two symmetrical circular chamber areas CAand CA′ which are side-by-side and create generally the rounded corners561 and 562 of the base end 560. The two symmetrical circular areas CAand CA′ may include recesses 588A and 588B, respectively, and thatportion of base 510 which extends from the opening of recesses 588A and588B to the flange 575 within the chamber 216. The curvature of therounded corners 561 and 562 may include an arc segment of a circle. Thetwo symmetrical circular areas CA and CA′ may be slightly overlapping toform apex 565 wherein the circular curvature of the chamber areasdiscontinue at apex 565. Beginning from the side with chamber area CAwith recess 588A, and moving across to chamber area CA′, the circularcurvature of chamber area CA discontinues as apex 565, travels theprofile of apex 565 such that chamber area CA′ begins at apex 565 aridcontinues along a circular curvature until reaching an indention 576′where the flange 575 at the indentation 576′ curves inward toward thechamber 216. Indentation 576′ may include hole 578. Indentation 576′ mayserve as a transition of the arc segment to the generally linear slantedprofile of ledge segment 570′. The ledge segment 570′ having a wideningarea protruding into the chamber 216 to accommodate hole 578. Thebeginning of the arc segment of rounded corner 561 of chamber area CAmay be adjacent and integral with indention 576 diametrically opposingindention 576. Likewise, the indentation 576 may serve as a transitionof the arc segment to the generally linear slanted profile of ledgesegment 570. The ledge segment 570 may have a widening area protrudinginto the chamber 216 to accommodate hole 578. Ledge segments 570 and570′ each may include a second indentation which may widen an areaprotruding into the chamber 216 to accommodate another hole 578. Theflange 575 tracking the profile of the chamber 216 including anyindentations so that the holes and fasteners may be outside of thechamber 216.

In an embodiment, the two symmetrical circular chamber areas CA and CA′are overlapping substantially at the point of the apex 565.

The apex 565 may be configured to extend in the chamber 216 in thedirection toward the gears and thus rotating brushes. The apex 565 mayprovide hole 579 at a location which positions the disinfectantinjection directly above the overlapping point of the counter rotatingbrushes 186A and 186B. The disinfectant 123 a may have direct and centeraccess to the teats as the teats are being directed from above thebrushed 186A and 186B to between the brushes 186A and 1.86B. Thus, theamount of spent disinfectant 123 a per teat may be minimized.

The hole 579 may be formed at a location which may be outside oradjacent the sealed gear chamber 216. Hence, any disinfectant leakingfrom a DD line failure or DD line leak may not seep into the internalsealed gear chamber 216. The sealed gear chamber 216 may be surroundedby an external side wall ledge (ledge segments 570, 570′, 570″, and570′″) to fasten together the first and second housing portions 213 and215 at a location which may be outside or adjacent the chamber 216.Hence the fasteners and holes 578 may not provide access points forentry of debris and disinfectant into the chamber 216. Portions of theinterior of the chamber 216 can be seen in FIG. 15.

The curvature of the rounded corner 568 may include an arc segment of acircle beginning from the indentation on ledge segment 570′ to theindentation associated with truncated apex 563. The arc segment of thecircle at corner 568 may track the curvature of recess 388C along thearc segment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are first and second side views of the second gearhousing portion 215. The second gear housing portion 215 includes a base610. The perimeter profile of the second gear housing portion 215 tracksthe perimeter profile of the first gear housing portion 211 The base 610may include a side wall ledge which may be continuous about theperimeter 672. The side wall ledge of the second gear housing portion215 may include side wall ledge segments 670, 670′, 670″ and 670′″. Theside wall ledge may include a perimeter groove 675 to mate with theflange 575 of the first gear housing portion 213 in an abutting matedarrangement in an embodiment, the mated coupling of the first gearhousing portion 213 to the second gear housing portion 215 is sealed. Byway of non-limiting example, the mated coupling includes a sealingmember or gasket 214 which may be recessed within the perimeter groove675, as best seen in FIG. 15. The gasket 214 may be made of rubber,plastic or other material that may make the sealed gear housingleak-proof The gasket having a profile that tracks the shape of thegroove 675.

The side wall ledge segments 670, 670′, 670″ and 670′″ may compriseholes 678 for the attachment of fasteners (not shown) to fasten thefirst and second gear housing portions 213 and 215 together. As can beappreciated, the holes 678 may be aligned with holes 578 of the firstgear housing portion 213. The holes 678 may be on the exterior side ofthe sealed gear chamber 216. The area within the perimeter groove 675when the first and second gear housing portions 213 and 215 are securedmay serve to complete the area and volume of the sealed gear chamber216. The side wall ledge segment 670″ extends across the base end 660and may include hole 679. Hole 679 may be configured to receive DD line140. The hole 679 of second gear housing portion 215 may be aligned withthe hole 579 of the first gear housing portion 213. The side wall ledgesegment 670′″ may extend across the truncated apex 663.

With specific reference to FIG. 6A, the interior side of the second gearhousing portion 215 includes a motor mount hub 680 which may include acentral aperture 683 surrounded by a plurality of recesses 682. Therecesses 682 have a depth which extends past the plane of base 610, aswill be described in more detail in FIG. 6B. The plurality of recesses682 may be threaded. The term “central” in relation to the term “centralaperture” does not represent a location that is at a center.

With specific reference to FIG. 6B, the motor mount hub 680 may includea ring 688 which projects past the plane of the base 610. The ring 688may have an opening to create the central aperture 683. The distal endof each recess 682 has an aperture formed therein to create theplurality of holes 684. Each recess 682 may be created by a raisedbodies starting from the base 610 and extending therefrom. Each recess682 may include hole 684 therein. The recesses 682 may be, equallyspaced around the central aperture 683. The motor mount hub 680 mayallow for the mounting or attachment of the motor 238 to the sealed gearhousing 205. The recesses 682 may be countersink holes so that heads offasteners (not shown) may be recessed therein.

As seen in FIG. 15, a gap is created between the base 510 of the firstgear housing portion 213 and the base 610 of the second gear portion215. The gap is part of the internal sealed gear chamber 216. The gears188A, 188B, 188C, and 188D may be housed in the gap between the base 510of the first gear housing portion 213 and the base 610 of the secondgear portion 215. The respective bearings 223, 225, and 227 are mountedto the gears 188A, 188B, and 188C around a gear collar 1275 such thatthe bearings 223, 225 and 227 are recessed or seated in recesses 588A,588B and 588C, respectively. The second gear housing portion 215 mayinclude recesses 616, 617, and 619. In an embodiment, bore holes 1252(FIG. 14) of each gear may be open at each end. In the event, the distalends of brushes 186A, 186B and 186C, respectively, pass through the openend of the bore hole 1252 (FIG. 14), the recesses 616, 617 and 619 wouldreceive and support the brush distal ends when the first and second gearhousing portions 213 and 215 are brought together in abuttingengagement. The recesses 616, 617 and 619 are closed to seal the gearhousing 205 from debris and other material during the cleaning of theteats. In an embodiment, the second gear housing portion 215 may besealed from the cavity within the second housing portion 209.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 9, the forward section 221 includes aplurality of fastening members 240 configured to align with theplurality of holes 578 and 678 of the sealed gear housing 205 so thatthe housing 205 may be firmly secured within the interior cavity of theforward section 221 of the housing section 209.

Referring also to FIG. 7, a perspective end view of the sealed gearhousing 205 inserted in the housing section 209 of the hand-heldapplicator 126 is illustrated. The top side TS approximate the firstdistal end of the forward section 221 may comprise a light holder 224for installation of the light source 160.

The light source 160 may comprise a light socket 260 and a lightingelement 262 coupled to the light socket 260. The lighting element 262may be a light emitting diode (LED), light bulb or other illuminator. Inthe illustration, the lighting socket 260 is held in the holder at anangle with respect to the top side TS. The light source 160 may beconfigured to illuminate the area over teat access port 1030 (FIG. 10B)into the brush cover 184. The light source 160 is aligned with hole 579and hole 679 which are aligned and serve as an external delivery port ofthe disinfectant or air. Hence, as the teat is inserted into the brushcover 184 and between the brushes 186A and 186B, the teat may also bedirectly illuminated to facilitate rapid insertion, washing and/ordrying. Additionally, the illumination by the light source 160 isapplied directly on the teat area being disinfected during the washingcycle and/or dried during the drying cycle. Hence, removal of the debrisor contaminates may be more easily and rapidly visual inspected on theteat area being illuminated by the light source 160.

During the washing cycle, the applicator 126 may be rotated about theteat so that the disinfectant can be delivered 360° around the teatcircumference. As the applicator 126 is rotated so is the light source160 and the delivery port (i.e., holes 579 and 679) to the area beingvisually inspected by the -operator. The quicker the removal of thedebris or contaminates from the teat area may be determined, the quickerthe operator may move to the next area for washing. Thus, the time theteat or teat area is being subjected to disinfectant may be decreased.Additionally, during the drying cycle, the quicker the operator maydetermine the teat area surface is dried, the quicker the operator maymove to the next area for drying. Thus, the time the teat or teat areais being subjected to a flow of air may be decreased.

The light source 160 may be feed electrical power from the electricallines 196 within the integrated cable 198. Hence, the light source 160may be turned ON or OFF based on the activation (depression) of switch232.

In the illustration of FIG. 7, the sealed gear housing 205 wheninstalled may protruded from (or out of) the forward section 221. Thesealed gear housing 205 has a diameter or perimeter profile which isless than the housing section 209 and which is less than the brush cover184. More specifically, when the sealed gear housing 205 is installed,the first gear housing portion 213 may extend out of forward section221. The side wall ledge segments 670, 670′, 670″ and 670′″ of thesecond gear housing portion 215 may be essentially flush with theforward distal end/edge 234 (FIG. 8) of the forward section 221.

The brushes 186A, 186B and 186C may include distal ends 722A, 722B and722C opposite the distal end coupled to gears 188A, 188B, and 188C. Thedistal ends 722A, 722B and 722C may have coupled thereto correspondingbearings 702, 704 and 706, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9. Furtherdetails of the brushes 186A, 186B and 186C will be described herein withrespect to FIGS. 13A-13B and 14. As can be appreciated, FIG. 9illustrates a perspective end view of the brushes and gears with thesealed gear housing removed. The gears and bearings within the sealedchamber 216 can be viewed since the sealed gear housing is removed fromillustration in FIG. 9.

The brush cover 184 when installed slides or slips over the first gearhousing portion 213 so that the first gear housing portion 213 mayextend into the cavity of the brush cover 184. In an embodiment, thatportion of the brush cover 184 is juxtaposed the perimeter of the firstgear housing portion 213 which may provide support to the brush cover184.

Referring also to FIG. 8, a perspective end view is illustrated of thesealed gear housing 205 inserted in the housing section 209 with thefirst gear housing portion removed. The motor 238 (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4)may be positioned within the housing section 209 of the applicator 126behind or rearward of the second gear housing portion 215. The motor 238may be operatively connected to the gears 188A, 188B, 188C, and 188D torotate the brushes 186A, 186B, and 186C. The motor 238 may include adrive shaft 190 that may be inserted through an opening 191 in the gear188D, such that the motor 238 and the drive shaft 190 are in directdrive connection with the gears 188A, 188B, 188C, and 188D. The gear188D may be a central gear of the plurality of gears 188A, 188B, 188Cand 188D. The gears 188A and 188B are counter rotating gears. Gear 188Cis a lower gear. The central gear (i.e., gear 188D) is coupled below thepair of counter rotating gears (i.e., gears 188A and 188D) to directlyprovide a torque to one of the counter rotating gears by the drive shaft190. The lower gear (i.e., gear 188C) is coupled below the central gearand being directly coupled to the central gear such that the centralgear directly provides torque to the lower gear by the drive shaft 190.

The term “central” in relation to the gear does not represent a locationthat is at a center. Instead, “central” indicates that the gear 188Doriginates the torque by being directly coupled to the drive shaft 190of the motor 238.

In an embodiment, the motor 238 may be a 24V DC motor. However, themotor 238 is not limited to any specific motor, provided that the motoris capable of being housed within the applicator housing 127 and can beoperatively connected to the gears to drive the brushes.

In an embodiment, the size and weight of the motor 238 may be chosen,for ergonomic considerations. By way of non-limiting example, the motormay be lightweight so that the applicator 126 can be lifted by anoperator and moved within a milking parlor so as to clean teats.

In an embodiment, the sealed gear housing 205 may be sealed and madefrom a lightweight material such as plastic. Additionally, the sealedgear housing 205 may be configured to house one or more gears also madeof light weight material. The sealed gear housing 205 may be configuredto prevent debris from entering the housing during the cleaning of theteats, and to contain lubricant for the gears. In another embodiment,the gears 188A, 188B, 188C, 188D may be made of a self-lubricatingplastic or polymer material, for example.

In the event of a malfunction to a component of the hand-held applicator126, such as a malfunction of the motor 238, a malfunction of one ormore of the gears 188, a malfunction of one or more of the brushes 186,a malfunction of the switch 232 and/or breaking of one or more portionsof the applicator housing 127, the hand-held applicator housing 127 canbe detached from the flexible cable 198. Thereafter, the detachedhand-held applicator 126 may be transported to a remote site, for repairto the one or more components of the applicator 126, or parts may berecycled for example.

In an embodiment, the disinfectant and electrical signals may bedelivered through a fixed cable having strain relief, thus eliminatingthe connector at the base of the applicator. In such an embodiment, aconnector would be positioned at a distance from the applicator, to keepthe connector away from water spray and accidental disconnection andabuse.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front end and rear end perspective views of thebrush cover 184 of the hand-held applicator 126. The brush cover 184 hasan end wall 1010 having a plurality of recesses 1012A, 1012B and 1012Cformed therein. The end wall 1010 may correspond to a first distal endof the brush cover 184. The plurality of recesses 1012A, 1012B and 1012Cmay extend and protrude through the plane of the end wall 1010. Theplurality of recesses 1012A, 1012B and 1012C may be closed to theexterior side of the end wall 1010.

The plurality of recesses 1012A, 1012B and 1012C may be configured tocradle therein distal ends 722A, 722B and 722C of brushes 188A, 188B and188C, respectively, and corresponding bearings 702, 704 and 706, as bestseen in FIGS. 7 and 9. In an embodiment, the plurality of recesses1012A, 1012B and 1012C may comprise a stepped recess cavity comprising afirst recess cavity portion 1013A and a second recess cavity portion1013B The circumference of the first recess cavity portion 1013A may besmaller than the circumference of the second recess cavity portion1013B. The first recess cavity portion 1013A may be dimensioned toreceive the distal end 722A, 722B or 722C of one of the brushes 188A,188B or 188C. The second recess cavity portion may be dimensioned toreceive a bearing 702, 704 or 706.

The brush cover 184 may have a quasi-triangular shape profile which maytrack the quasi-triangular shape profile of the sealed gear housing 205and the housing section 209. The quasi-triangular shape profiled of thebrush cover 184 may include a base end 1060 and a truncated apex 1063wherein the base end 1060 may include rounded corners 1061 and 1062. Thequasi-triangular shape profiled of the brush cover 184 may include sidewalls 1070 and 1070′ angled from the base end 1060 to the truncated apex1063. The base end 1060 is configured to be top side TS and thetruncated apex 1063 may be configured to be oriented, at the undersideUS of the applicator housing 126.

The brush cover 184 may include a second distal end 1020 which may beopen and dimensioned to abut the forward distal end of the housingsection 209. The top side TS of the brush cover 184 includes a teataccess port 1030, as best seen in FIG. 10B. Additionally, the undersideof the brush cover 184 may include an outlet port 1040. The outlet port1040 may extend from the underside US of the brush cover 184 to sidewall1070. A portion of the brush 186C may extend through the outlet port1040. The outlet port 1040 may allow debris and disinfectant to exit theapplicator 126 under the force of gravity.

In proximity to the second distal end 1020, the brush cover 184 mayinclude at least one pillar 1075. In an embodiment, there are aplurality of pillars 1075. By way of non-limiting example, sidewall 1070may include at least one pillar 1075 and sidewall 1070′ may include atleast one pillar 1075. The at least one pillar 1075 may have a lengththat allows a strap, tie or tethering member 128 to fasten the pillar ofthe brush cover 184 to a pillar of the housing section 209. In analternate embodiment, the other means of strapping the brush cover 184to the housing section 209 may be used.

In an embodiment, the brush cover 184 and the housing section 209 may behingedly coupled at one location via a hinge (not shown) and fastened ata separate location,

The pillar 1075 may comprises a shaft member 1076 and a head member1078. The shaft or post member 1076 may have one distal end coupled toor integrated with the sidewall. 1070. The shaft or post member 1076having the other distal end coupled or integrated with the head member1078. The circumference of the shaft or post member 1076 may be smallerthan the circumference of the head member 1078. In an embodiment, thestrap, tie or tethering member 128 may be secured on the shaft or postmember 1076 under the head member 1078 wherein the head member 1078prevents the strap, tie or tethering member 128 from slipping off of theshaft or post member 1076.

In addition, if any components of the hand-held applicator 126 fail orrequire repair, the hand-held applicator 126 may be separated from thecable 198, and assuming there is an available inventory, the applicator126 may be replaced. The removed applicator may be repaired onsite orreturned to the supplier for refurbishment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of the threaded gear assembly 1250.FIGS. 13A-138, and 14 illustrate a brush and threaded gear of theassembly in which one or more gears may include a central boring thatmay be internally threaded for receiving a part that has externalthreading to couple the part and gear together. During one or more ofthe cycles (washing or drying), the gear may rotate in the samedirection of rotation the gear may be rotated to fix the gear onto thepart (brush) or the opposite direction in which part (brush) may berotated in order to fix the part to the gear. In this manner, as thegear rotates during operation, it rotates in a direction that maycontinuously tighten, at least to a point, the parts together.

The prior art coupling of the this parts including matching geometricshapes of the gear boring and part shaft; however, over time theinterface at these locations between the gear and part begins to wear.This wear may be due in part to debris including sand, dirt, soil etc.eventually accessing this area, and/or the points of contact at theinterface. As the interface wears down the part (namely a brush) axis ofrotation may no longer be aligned with that of the gear and the partbegins to wobble and eventually not functional. The below describedthreaded engagement between a gear and rotating part minimized wear atthe interface of the gear and part (brush) as the gear rotates in adirection that tightens the gear and part (brush) to gear; and, theinterface between the gear and part (brush) minimizes the intrusion ofdebris.

While the above-described threaded gear assembly may be used with or invarious types of parts, components and machines, it is described herein,by way of example, in reference to a hand-held applicator 126 (FIG. 1)of a system for cleaning teats of milk-producing animals. With referenceto FIG. 12, the gear assembly 1250 of the hand-held applicator mayinclude gears 1288A, 1288B, 1288C, and 1288D that may be positionedwithin the applicator housing and, specifically, the sealed gearhousing. Each gear 1288A, 1288B, and 1288C may include a threadedcentered boring 1252 (FIG. 14) to rotatably mount the brushes 1286A,1286B, and 1286C of the applicator thereto. The brushes 1286.A, 1286B,and 1286C are not drawn to scale, and indeed are shown with smallerdiameter for purposes of better illustrations directions of rotations.The gear 1288D may be rotatably coupled to the motor 238 (FIG. 1), whichrotates the gear 1288D in a first direction 1264. As further illustratedin FIG. 12, the gear 1288D may be in drive communication with the othergears 1288A, 1288B, and 1288C, and thus the gears 1288A and 1288C rotatein a respective first directions 1266 that is opposite to the firstdirection 1264 of the gear 1288D.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, the outer perimeter teeth 1274 (FIG.13A and 13B) of the gear 1288A meshes with the outer perimeter teeth1274 of the gear 1288B and thus the gear 1288B rotates in a firstdirection 1266 that is opposite to the first direction 1264 of the gear1288A. The outer perimeter teeth 1274 of gear 1288C meshes with theouter perimeter teeth 1274 of the gear 1288D. Thus, during rotation ofgear 1288D), the gear 1288D may impart a torque on gear 1288B. The gear1288B may impart a torque on gear 1288A by the interlinking of theteeth. The outer perimeter teeth 1274 of the gear 1288C may be meshedwith the outer perimeter teeth 1274 of gear 1288D. Hence, as gear 1288Dis rotated, simultaneously, both gears 1288B and 1288C may have a torqueimparted thereto.

During an operation of the gear assembly 1250, the gears 1288B and 1288Cmay rotate in their respective first directions 1266, and may be inmechanical drive communication with the brushes 1286B and 1286C,respectively, to impart a torque onto the brushes 1286B and 1286C torotate in that same first direction 1266. Additionally, during theoperation of the gear assembly 1250, the gear 1 288A rotates in itsrespective first direction 1264, and may be in mechanical drivecommunication with the brush 1286A, to impart a torque onto the brush1286A to rotate in the respective first direction 1264.

As will be explained in more detail below, the arrows 1260 and 1262represent respective directions the brushes 1286A, 1286C and 1286B maybe rotated to fix a gear and corresponding brush to one another. Asshown, the gears 1288A, 1288B and 1288C rotate during operation in adirection that is opposite to the direction the brushes 1286A, 1286B and1286C, respectively, and may be rotated to couple the two partstogether. That is, the gears 1288A, 1288B and 1288C, during operation,may rotate in a direction that tightens each respective gear and brushtogether.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate side perspective views of a gear threadedout from and onto a brush shank. FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view ofthe gear assembly of FIG. 13B with the brush rotatably mounted to thegear. Since the brushes 1286A and 1286B and gears 1288A and 1288B may beessentially identical, only one such brush 1286A and gear 1288A will bedescribed in detail with any differences noted. The brush 1286C is alsosimilar to brushes 1286A and 1286B. However, the gear 1288C may begenerally similar to gears 1288A and 1288B except for size.

The brush 1286A may comprise brush shaft 1290. The brush shaft 1290 mayinclude a central shaft member 1291 having a plurality of brush bristles1292 radiating therefrom. The central shaft member 1291 may have firstand second distal ends terminating at flanges 1294A and 1294B,respectively. The brush shaft 1290 may further comprises a first shaftend 1295 projecting from flange 1294A. In one embodiment, the shaft end1295 may have a smaller circumference then the circumference of thecentral shaft member 1290. The brush shaft 1290 may further comprises asecond shaft end 1296 projecting from flange 1294B. The shaft 1290 maycomprise first shaft end 1295, flange 1294A, central shaft member 1290,flange 1294B, second shaft end 1296 and end brush flange 1297. End brushflange 1297 being located at the other distal end of the second shaftend 1296 opposite that of the flange 1294B.

The brush 1286A may include a shaft portion 1256 with external threading1258. The shaft portion 1256 may be adjacent to and extending past endbrush flange 1297. In FIG. 13A, a portion of shaft portion 1256 is shownwhere the shaft portion 1256 is only partially threaded in the gear1288A. In FIG. 13B, the shaft portion 1256 is not readily seen since theshaft portion 1256 is threaded within the gear 1288A. In an embodiment,the shaft portion 1256 may be threaded into gear 1288A. For example, theend brush flange 1297 may have a diameter that fits within the gearcollar 1275 such that the top edge of the gear collar 1275 and a topsurface of the end brush flange 1297 are flush, as best seen in FIG. 14.Hence, the end brush flange 1297 may be recessed within the gear collar1275. Alternately, the end brush flange 1297 may have a diameter thatallows the underside of the end brush flange 1297 to be stopped by thetop edge of the gear collar 1275.

The gear 1288A may comprise a disk-shaped member 1272 having a perimeterwith a plurality of radiating teeth 1274 circumferentially arranged andintegrated with the perimeter of the disk-shaped member 1272. The teeth1274 of the gears may be spaced apart so that the teeth of linked gearscan mesh or be interleaved. The center of the disk-shaped member 1272has the bore hole 1252 with a hole circumference and a gear collar 1275.The gear collar 1275 has an inner circumference which surrounds the holecircumference at the open (first) end of the bore hole 1252. The other(second) end of the bore hole 1252 may be closed from ambientconditions. The internal circumferential surface of the gear collar 1275may be threaded. The bore hole 1252 may be closed to seal the interfacebetween the gear and the brush.

The side of the disk-shaped member 1272 opposite the side with the gearcollar 1275 may be recessed. For example, an area of the disk-shapedmember 1272 which does not include the teeth 1274 may be recessed.

The end brush flange 1297 may assist in sealing the bore hole 1252 whenthe end brush flange 1297 is in surface-to-surface contact with a topend of the gear collar 1275. Nonetheless, the seating of the end brushflange 1297 may close the bore hole 1252 from ambient conditions.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, gear 1288A may comprise a centered bore hole1252. The centered bore hole 1252 may include internal threading 1254along a length of an internal surface of the bore hole 1252 thatcorrespond to the external threading 1258 along the Shaft portion 1256of the brush 1286A. In an embodiment, the centered bore hole 1252include at least a portion of the depth of the disk-shaped member 1272and gear collar 1275. The internal threading 1254 and external threading1258 may have a cross-sectional trapezoidal shape. The use of the term“external threading” is defined as threads formed on and around anexternal or exterior surface. The use of the term “internal threading”is defined as threads on an internal or interior surface. The term.“internally threaded” is defined as an internal surface having threadsformed thereon.

In an embodiment, the internal threading of the gear 1288A may only beon the length of the gear collar 1275. The internal threading of thegear 1288A may be only along the length of the bore hole 1252 or boththe length of the gear collar 1275 and the bore hole 1252.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in order to rotatably mount the brush 1286Awithin the bore hole 1252 of the gear 1288A, the shaft portion 1256 maybe aligned with the bore hole 1252 and the brush 1286A may besubsequently rotated in a direction 1260 that may be opposite to therespective direction 1264 of rotation of the gear 1288A, until shaftportion 1256 may be seated in the bore hole 1252. The bore hole 1252shown in FIG. 14 includes a bottom so that the second end is a closedend; however the bore hole 1252 may extend the entire depth or thicknessof the gear 1288A. Alternatively or simultaneously, the gear 1288B maybe rotated in the respective direction 1266 (FIG. 12) of rotation whilebrush 1286B may be subsequently rotated in the direction 1262 (FIG. 12)of rotation to fix the gear 1288B and brush 1286B together.

The threaded engagement between the gear 1288A and the brush 1286A inthe gear assembly 1250 may be configured to prevent wear and minimizevibration between the gear 1288A and the brush 1286A and thus maintainan alignment between a rotational axis 1268 of the gear 1288A and acentral longitudinal axis (or a rotational axis) of the brush 1286Aduring an operation of the gear assembly 1250. Additionally, therotation of the gear 1288A in the respective first direction 1264 may beconfigured to maintain the threaded engagement between the externalthreading 1258 and the internal threading 1254, during the operation ofthe gear assembly 1250. As further illustrated in FIG. 14, the externalthreading 1258 and the internal threading 1254 have a depth that may besufficient to minimize wear between the gear 1288A and the brush 1286Aand maintain the alignment between the rotational axis of the gear 1288Aand the central longitudinal axis of the brush 1286A.

In an embodiment, the gears 1288A, 1288B, and 1288C and at least theshaft portion of the brushes 1286A, 1286B, and 1286C may be made from aself-lubricating plastic material. In the event that the brush 1286A,1286B, and 1286C need to be replaced, the brush 1286A, 1286B, and 1286Cmay be simply unscrewed from the gear 1288A, 1288B, and 1288C andreplaced with a new brush. In an embodiment, the gears 1288A, 1288B,1288C and 1288D may be made of an acetal resin or other self-lubricatingplastic. An acetal resin is manufactured by Dupont® and sold under thebrand name DELRIM®. Additionally, other components such as, withoutlimitation, the bearings may be made of a self-lubricating plasticmaterial.

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of the hand-held applicator withportions of the brush cover 184, housing section 209 and sealed gearhousing 205 cut away, FIG. 15 incorporates the sectional view of thegear assembly of FIG. 14 with the brush 1286A rotatably mounted to thegear 1288A or 188A. Hence, no further discussion about the brush 1286Awill be described. In FIG. 15, the view of the sealed gear housing 205with the abutting contact is illustrated wherein the perimeter groove675 is shown mated with the flange 575 and with the gears within the gapbetween a first gear housing portion 213 and a second gear housingportion 215.

The plurality of recesses 1012A is shown cradling therein first shaftend 1295 of brush 1286A, and corresponding bearings 702. The flange1294A may be located, within the volume of space of brush cover 1840 Inother words, the flange 1294A may be located outside of the recess1012A. In an embodiment, the flange 1294 may have a circumference whichis larger than the opening into recess 1012A.

As previously described in relation to FIG. 14, the end brush flange1297 may have a diameter that fits within the gear collar 1275 such thatthe top edge of the gear collar 1275 and a top surface of the end brushflange 1297 are flush. Furthermore, the end brush flange 1297 and thetop of the gear collar 1275 may be flush with the exterior surface ofthe recess 588A. The exterior surface is the exterior surface within thebrush cover 184.

While certain embodiments have been shown and described herein, suchembodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations,changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in the artwithout departing from the scope of the embodiments herein. Accordingly,it is intended that the embodiments are limited only by the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held applicator for cleaning a teat of amilk-producing animal, the hand-held applicator comprising: a firsthousing having a housing section including a first end through which atleast one disinfectant delivery line extends or at least one electricalline extends, a second end distal to the first end, a top side and anunderside; a second housing having an internal sealed gear chamber, thesecond housing removably coupled to the second end of the housingsection and in which the internal sealed gear chamber being configuredto support therein a plurality of gears and bearings; wherein the secondhousing comprises: a first portion having a plurality of gear holes anda first perimeter ledge around a periphery, and a second portion havinga second perimeter ledge around a periphery and a motor mount andconfigured to be removably affixed in abutting contact to the firstportion along the respective periphery of the first and second portionssurrounding the internal sealed gear chamber, the first and secondperimeter ledges having an external delivery port configured to becoupled to the at least one disinfectant delivery line and located aboveand centered between a pair of side-by-side gears of the plurality ofgears; wherein the housing section comprises: a forward sectiondimensioned to receive therein a portion of the second housing, theforward section gradually narrowing rearwardly, and a handle sectionjuxtaposed to the forward section and tapering rearward from the forwardsection in a downward direction such that an angle is formed along atransition from the forward section to the handle section at theunderside; a switch positioned on the underside of the housing sectionat or in proximity to the transition from the forward section to thehandle section; and a motor coupled to the motor mount, the motorresiding within the forward section and configured to be in direct drivecommunication with the plurality of gears.
 2. The hand-held applicatorof claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of scrubbing elements, andeach scrubbing element is operatively connected to a respective gearthrough a respective gear hole in the first portion; and a brush cover,the brush cover being detachably secured to the second end of thehousing section; configured to surround the scrubbing elements; andincludes an opening through which the teat is inserted for cleaning. 3.The hand-held applicator of claim. 2 wherein the second housing has anoutside diameter that is less than an inside diameter of the second endof the housing section, and is less than an inside diameter of the brushcover, and at least a portion the second housing is disposed within thebrush cover.
 4. The hand-held applicator of the claim 1 wherein thefirst portion of the second housing includes: a plurality of recess, theplurality of recesses having the plurality of gear holes; an insidesurface having the plurality of recesses; an outside surface, theoutside surface faces the plurality of scrubbing elements; and a bearingconfigured to be seated in a respective recess, and each recess isassociated with a gear hole.
 5. The hand-held applicator of claim 1wherein: the motor comprises a drive shaft; and the motor mountcomprising: a central aperture with a raised ring elevated past a baseof the second portion, the ring elevated on an external side of thesecond portion; a plurality of countersink recesses surrounding thecentral aperture formed on an internal side of the second portion, theplurality of countersink recesses are elevated past the base of theexternal side; and the central aperture being configured to receivetherethrough the drive shaft for engagement with a central gear of theplurality of gears for applying a torque directly to two gears of theother gears of the plurality of gears.
 6. The hand-held applicator ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of gears or the bearings comprises aself-lubricating material.
 7. The hand-held applicator of claim 1further comprising a light source on the first housing in proximity tothe second end of the housing section, the light source being disposedat an angle relative to an outside surface of the first housing todirect light toward the teats of an animal during a cleaning operation,the light source being aligned with the external delivery port.
 8. Thehand-held applicator of claim 7 further comprising an air line and aY-coupler coupled to the external delivery port, the Y-coupler coupledto the at least one disinfectant delivery line and the air line.
 9. Thehand-held applicator of claim 8 wherein the housing section and thesecond housing has a quasi-triangular shape with a base at a topside ofthe housing section and a truncated apex at an underside of the housingsection, the second housing has an outside perimeter profile that isless than an interior profile of the second end of the housing section,and at least a portion of the second housing is disposed in the housingsection.
 10. A hand-held applicator for cleaning a teat of amilk-producing animal, the hand-held applicator comprising; a firsthousing having a housing section including a first end through which atleast one disinfectant delivery line extends or at least one electricalline extends, a second end distal to the first end, a top side and anunderside; a second housing having an internal sealed gear chamber, amotor mount and an external delivery port configured to be coupled tothe at least one disinfectant delivery line, the second housingremovably coupled to the second end of the housing section and in whichthe internal sealed gear chamber being configured to support therein aplurality of gears and bearings with the external delivery port locatedabove and centered between a pair of side-by-side gears of the pluralityof gears; wherein the housing section comprises: a forward sectiondimensioned to receive therein a portion of the second housing, theforward section gradually narrowing rearwardly; and a handle sectionjuxtaposed to the forward section and tapering rearward from the forwardsection in a downward direction such that an angle is formed along atransition from the forward section to the handle section at theunderside; a switch positioned on the underside of the housing sectionat or in proximity to the transition from the forward section to thehandle section; and a motor coupled to the motor mount, the motorresiding within the forward section and configured to be in direct drivecommunication with the plurality of gears.
 11. The hand-held applicatorof claim. 10 further comprising: a plurality of scrubbing elements, andeach scrubbing element is operatively connected to a respective gearthrough a respective gear hole in the first portion; and a brash cover,the brush cover being detachably secured to the second end of thehousing section; configured to surround the scrubbing elements; andincludes an opening through which the teat is inserted for cleaning. 12.The hand-held applicator of claim 10 wherein the second housingcomprises: a first portion having a plurality of gear holes and a firstperimeter ledge around a periphery; and a second portion having a secondperimeter ledge around a periphery and configured to be removablyaffixed in abutting contact to the first portion along the respectiveperiphery of the first and second portions surrounding the internalsealed gear chamber, the first and second perimeter ledges having theexternal delivery port.
 13. The hand-held applicator of claim 12wherein: the motor comprises a drive shaft; and the motor mountcomprising: a central aperture with a raised ring elevated past a baseof the second portion, the ring elevated on an external side of thesecond portion; a plurality of countersink recesses surrounding thecentral aperture formed on an internal side of the second portion, theplurality of countersink recesses are elevated past the base of theexternal side; and the central aperture being configured to receivetherethrough the drive shaft for engagement with a central gear of theplurality of gears for applying a torque directly to two gears of theother gears of the plurality of gears.
 14. The hand-held applicator ofclaim 10 wherein the plurality of gears or the hearings comprises aself-lubricating material.
 15. The hand-held applicator of claim 10further comprising a light source on the first housing in proximity tothe second end of the housing section, the light source being disposedat an angle relative to an outside surface of the first housing todirect light toward the teats of an animal during a cleaning operation,the light source being aligned with the external delivery port.
 16. Ahand-held applicator for cleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal, thehand-held applicator comprising: a first housing having a housingsection including a first end through which at least one disinfectantdelivery line extends or at least one electrical line extends, a secondend distal to the first end, a top side and an underside; a secondhousing having an internal sealed gear chamber, the second housingremovably coupled to the second end of the housing section and in whichthe internal sealed gear chamber being configured to support therein aplurality of gears and bearings; wherein the second housing comprises: afirst portion having a plurality of gear holes and a first perimeterledge around a periphery, and a second portion having a second perimeterledge around a periphery and configured to be removably affixed inabutting contact to the first portion along the respective periphery ofthe first and second portions surrounding the internal sealed gearchamber, the first and second perimeter ledges having an externaldelivery port configured to be coupled to the at least one disinfectantdelivery line and located above and centered between a pair ofside-by-side gears of the plurality of gears; and a switch positioned onthe underside of the housing section at or in proximity to thetransition from the forward section to the handle section.
 17. Thehand-held applicator of claim 16 further comprising: a plurality ofscrubbing elements, and each scrubbing element is operatively connectedto a respective gear through a respective gear hole in the firstportion; and a brush cover, the brush cover being detachably secured tothe second end of the housing section; configured to surround thescrubbing elements; and includes an opening through which the teat isinserted for cleaning.
 18. The hand-held applicator of claim 17 whereinthe second housing has an outside diameter that is less than an insidediameter of the second end of the housing section, and is less than aninside diameter of the brush cover, and at least a portion the secondhousing is disposed within the brush cover.
 19. The hand-held applicatorof claim 16, wherein the housing section comprises: a forward sectiondimensioned to receive therein a portion of the second housing, theforward section gradually narrowing rearwardly, and a handle sectionjuxtaposed to the forward section and tapering rearward from the forwardsection in a downward direction such that an angle is formed along atransition from the forward section to the handle section at theunderside;
 20. The hand-held applicator of claim 16 further comprising alight source on the first housing in proximity to the second end of thehousing section, the light source being disposed at an angle relative toan outside surface of the first housing to direct light toward the teatsof an animal during a cleaning operation, the light source being alignedwith the external delivery port.
 21. The hand-held applicator of claim20 further comprising an air line and a Y-coupler coupled to theexternal delivery port, the Y-coupler coupled to the at least onedisinfectant delivery line and the air line.